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The Health Benefits of Art

10/14/2017

7 years ago, the American Journal of Public Health published a review that was titled, The Connection between Art, Healing, and Public Health. You can find that article here. In the article, researchers investigated more than 100 studies about the impact of art on a person’s health and their ability to heal themselves. The studies included everything from music and writing to dance and the visual arts.

Below are five excerpts from the visual arts studies that were mentioned in the review. Each study examined more than 30 patients who were battling cancer and other chronic illnesses. The researchers described the impact on the patients with the visual art activities that the patients participated in.

“Art filled occupational voids, distracted thoughts of illness”

“Improvements in flow and spontaneity, expression of grief, positive identity, and social networks”

Art may not outright cure cancer but it most definitely alleviates anxiety, stress and negative emotions. Something that all of us experience every now and then. Who wouldn’t want to reduce their anxiety, stress, and reduce the likelihood of developing depression?

Furthermore, these benefits from art are not entirely only in someone’s mind. The impact of art, music, and writing can be seen in the physical body also. In fact, a study that was published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine used writing as a treatment for HIV patients. The study found that writing resulted in the improvement of CD4+ lymphocyte counts. What this means is that the act of writing impacted the cells inside of the patient and it actually improved their immune system. In other words, art does not just make a person feel better; it actually creates real, physical changes inside of that person’s body also. You can read more about the study here.

Create More Than You Consume

The point is that participating in the fine arts, whether it is, dancing, painting, singing or wring is good for you. There is proof in the studies above that with participation in art a person benefits both physically and mentally. It may not be the cure-all but it most certainly adds positive elements in our life; something we can all agree that we could use more of.

In today’s society, we are connected daily, to our televisions, to social media, and almost everything is on-demand. It is easy to spend an entire day consuming information and responding to that information. Art offers the opposite, and that is creation. We should all take time out of consuming information in our daily lives and spend that spare time creating.

Open a blank document and start typing about anything or everything. Break out the paintbrushes and a canvas or pull out your pens and paper and sketch. Grab your camera, leave the house and go on a long stroll in the park taking pictures. Turn on music, stand up and begin to dance.

Produce something. Express yourself. Contribute rather than consume. Build, share, craft or make art. Your health and happiness will improve and you and all of those around you will be that much better off.

The Deep Ellum Art Company is dedicated to bringing Deep Ellum live shows and sharing savory culinary delights, great music, and gifted artists to the Dallas community. If you haven’t already visited the Deep Ellum Art Company, what are you waiting for? Check out our upcoming Deep Ellum live shows below, mark your calendar and come out and enjoy yourself!

Upcoming Events for October 18th – October 22nd, 2017

Wednesday, October 18th, 2017, 9:00PM – The Deep Ellum Art Company presents the Skinny Cooks this Wednesday and special guest El Dub Music with live music, art gallery, and food truck yard for the best Deep Ellum live shows, visit us!. Cover is only $5.

Thursday, October 19th, 2017, 6:00PM – Come out and enjoy Deep Ellum live shows in style and celebrate the work of Posada, by taking a look at how he inspired all of our artists! These badass hombres took his style, wrapped it up in their own funkiness, dressed it in their best colors, and put their best inspirations forward in paying homage to the most badass of all, the Printmaker Hombre’s! Keep your hats on, and your feet planted, for the audio delights that will follow after the opening.

Friday, October 20th, 2017, 9:00PM – The Deep Ellum Art Company proudly presents Larry Gee, Sam Lao, and LEV. Come out and enjoy Deep Ellum live shows, our art gallery and savory food from our food truck yard. Tickets are on sale now for $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show.

Dallas-based soul singer-songwriter Larry g(EE) released Weekends after a summer in Brooklyn. After teaming up with Producer Beau Bedford, whose credits include work with the Apache 5, Dovetail and Kirby Brown, he returned to Dallas to release this four-track EP showcasing a unique and catchy blend of funk, silky soul and smart pop melodies. His famed single “Yo Mama” reels listeners in with punchy horns and passionate vocals, while the piercing ballad “I’m Your Fool” embodies the intense romanticism of vintage Motown singles of the past. Come and join us for the best Deep Ellum live shows in town!

Saturday, October 21st, 2017, 6:00PM – Come celebrate Deep Ellum live shows with the Deep Ellum Art Company and the Ignite Art Collective! All art is welcome: paintings, flow props, instruments, bring it all! There will be a $5 donation if not performing or showcasing. Happy hour will start at 5:00PM and Beerland Deep Ellum will be having their award ceremony before this event. You may benefit from showing up early!

About Deep Ellum Art Company

The Deep Ellum Art Company was founded by entrepreneur and creative proponent John LaRue. Our building is a multipurpose locale for Deep Ellum live shows that is used to conserve the artistic value that makes the Deep Ellum locale unique. Our facilities combines an indoor art gallery, an outdoor art gallery complemented by more than 20 artists, an outdoor food truck venue, areas for both indoor and outdoor Deep Ellum live shows and performances as well as a bar with 31 taps, 24 brewed beers and seven cocktails to choose from. Our goal is for the promotion of the fine arts, whether it be music, culinary, sculpture, 2D, 3D, digital, Deep Ellum live shows and more. Come and join us at 3200 Commerce St., Dallas, Texas 75226.